"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!
I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. "Your cat has feline diabetes."
Now what is diabetes?
Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.
Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.
Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.
Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.
And ? this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!
But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a 'hypo') may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.
Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.
Duvelke's quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he's doing really fine. If you didn't know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.
So, with a proper treatment, diabetic cats can still lead a happy life!
? 2004, Marc de Jong. Journalist, web site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong lives in Belgium. He is the owner and editor of http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HarePets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More
Does the idea of trimming your dog's nails send chills... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More
Just how old is your dog really? More than likely... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More
Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
Pet |